8 surprising benefits of sweating you probably didn’t know

Did you know that there are multiple benefits to sweating? If the answer is no, you aren’t alone.

In fact, it’s been proven that not only does sweating naturally cool down your body, it releases toxins and as well as helps you get glowing skin.

So whether you need to workout harder or introduce more exercise into your routine, it’s time to stop avoiding it and lap up that sweaty goodness!

But before you do, a bit of background….

Why do we sweat?

Sweating (or perspiration) is a part of everyday life.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and sweat glands allow the skin to filter out toxins and build up our immunity. On top of that, it also cools down the body for situations like when we are in warmer climates or exercising.

There are two ways that we sweat. The first is through the eccrine sweat glands which are all over the body and are activated through things like intense physical activity. The second is through the apocrine sweat glands that are attached to hair follicles (such as those in your underarms). This type of sweating is often activated by emotions like stress or anxiety, as well as producing body odour.

It’s important to note that “healthy sweating” is associated with things like exercise, warm temperatures, emotions, eating spicy foods and even fever associated with illness (as it’s a common symptom). On the other hand, if you suffer excessive sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) there are ways of treating it like weight loss, medications or topical applications.

Another thing to remember, is if you are in a situation where you are sweating a lot, it’s crucial to stay hydrated because if your body is perspiring liquid it’s important to put that back in.

So what are the benefits of sweating?

1. Boosts immunity

Through filtering out toxins when we sweat, like alcohol and waste products, it helps boost our immune system. Plus, physical activity can help flush bacteria from the body and slow down the release of stress hormones which can both cause illness.

2. Clears your skin

When you sweat the pores of your skin open which creates a protective layer on the surface to prevent pathogens and bacteria from seeping in. This helps clear skin problems like breakouts and acne by keeping your skin cleaner.

3. Body detox

Getting your sweat on is the body’s natural way to detox as it ejects toxins. You can also boost this detoxification process by choosing high quality detox supplements, eating clean food and drinking purified water. 

4. Release of feel good hormones (endorphins)

Endorphins (or the feel good hormone) are released when you exercise, which is when you are most likely to sweat. This is not only beneficial for your physical health but it’s crucial to your mental wellbeing as it reduces things like stress and anxiety and replaces it with positivity.

5. Lowers kidney stone risk

The skin releases salt when we sweat. This is beneficial for the kidneys and it can prevent kidney stones from forming. We also get more thirsty when we sweat, meaning we drink more water which also helps prevent kidney stones as well.

Keep in mind, it’s important to wash your face and body after sweating as the salt from your sweat will dry on your skin.

6. Helps muscle recovery

Sweating increases circulation all over the body from the organs to our muscles and tissue. This helps your muscles recover after you exercise and become stronger.

7. Great for heart health

 By exercising often and sweating you are doing your heart a massive favour. Your cardiovascular health relies on regular physical activity to prevent things like heart disease.

8. Glowing skin

After a good sweat sesh, have you ever noticed how your skin is left glistening? You are literally glowing! Not only that, as mentioned exercise and sweating helps regulate blood and oxygen circulation all over your body (including to your skin cells) which leaves your skin looking fresh from the inside out.

 

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References

Wiseman Family Practice: https://www.wisemanfamilypractice.com/health-benefits-sweating/

Better Health (Vic Gov): https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sweat

Medline Plus:https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003218.htm

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm